Selling Coaching and Courses as well as Coaching with Melissa Bolton -

What role does branding play in helping creators sell smarter and better? After many years of running successful companies and consulting with hundreds of other companies, Melissa Bolton had a intuition: to sell effectively it is essential to know what you're about as well as who your client is. It's then an issue of aligning your message to both. It turns out that she was correct and her vast list of clients who have achieved success can attest to. She explains what creators should learn about branding, as well as how she helped her coach and classes up a notch.

 When you turned 23, you were producing 7-figure sales. At 27, you achieved vice president status at an Fortune 500 financial company. Today you're a highly sought-out Brand Therapist - a specialty you've trademarked and made own. We'd love to hear how your incredible journey began and what the most important lessons you've taken away thus far.

I've never treated a customer as a prospective customer, or thought of them as a potential chance. These are real people with real needs, goals and aspirations. The opportunity lies in what you do to help them. This answer feels like it could be longer however, it's really just that simple Treat people the way you'd like to be treated, be attentive, and finally help.

 Can you share an explanation of the function of a brand therapy and the archetypal approach?

I've always been fascinated by the field of psychology and behavioral science However, I've never wanted to become a traditional therapist. While I was at home, I did a lot of reading about the psychology of behavior and its principles particularly in the area of decision-making. I applied these principles to my branding efforts and the outcome was nothing short of magical. Being a person who is a believer in being unique, I'm keen on creating titles for your professional self. "Brand Therapist" was a great choice.

I created the brand archetype course in 2010. The time was when there wasn't a similar course on the market. People were using archetypes for branding purposes, however an actual course was not available. The concept is to use the established scientific theories that apply to purchasing behaviors. You can doubt behaviors however patterns are difficult to disprove. Archetypes show patterns of behavior , and help you to cater your words or style and offerings to those who need them most.

 As you consulted, you realized that most businesses and entrepreneurs failed because they ignored branding and were focusing on advertising. What are the steps creators can take to develop an authentic brand image?

You can't well market something if you don't know who you are, what you sell or who your best customers are, or what you're actually selling. What I mean by that is that, in reality, we're not selling products or services. We're selling solutions; We're selling people a higher version of their own. Understanding and being able to define the essence of your brand and carry it into all that you do is essential to the success of any company.

You offer a number of insightful, free resources to potential customers which includes your no-cost brand archetype test and analysis. How have these sources have had on your company and how should creators incorporate the freebies in their marketing strategies?

The free quiz has had an enormous effect. I have spent a lot of time learning not just what questions to ask, but how to ask for the most accurate responses. A million people have completed the test throughout the years. That's still mind-blowing to me. It's extremely insightful and deep. I get the attraction. It's been useful to so many. It has helped me expand my mailing list and expand offerings to my ideal clients as well.

I suggest creating freebies that align with the style you prefer. Being the Luminary (archetype) teacher, I like studying and sharing my information, therefore for me, a quiz seems appropriate. The quiz might be some other thing. It may be a template of a white or black paper, an ebook or any other graphics or downloadable material. Make sure that you receive some sort of compensation, one of the most sought-after is the email address. It is possible to unsubscribe anytime the content doesn't suit them.

 Being someone who has several years of consulting experience What suggestions would you give to creators who consider offering coach services?

Ah, I've got lots of suggestions on this issue:

• Don't give your time away for free. A free consultation is fine to determine if you're a fit, but make sure you don't give away excessively. It's best to have several questions that you'd like to inquire about prior to the call. Be sure to adhere to the time limit. Keep them interested and wanting more.
• Make boundaries, and adhere to these boundaries and stick to. Everyone will try to take advantage of you. If someone is looking for or wants more, they'll pay for your time. If not, they aren't a good steward of your time, and you ought to move on. That's it.
• It is my goal to work only with your ideal clients. Be a good judge of your own. If you believe that a customer isn't a good fit from the very first moment you meet with them, then you're probably not. Don't ever try to defend your pricing or attempt to persuade people to cooperate with you. People who are right for you are likely to be thrilled to work with you and excited to trade their cash to give you their time.

 With regards to branding, what is the role social media be playing and what kinds of content are the most effective for you as a creator?

I consider social media more a part of marketing more than branding. Personally, I like Pinterest over the other social media platforms. There's less chatter and more focus. It's a time for people to organize and curate. It's highly intentional. It's a nice thing to see. It also lets me look up what others save. They are unique as compared to Facebook as well as Instagram. I recommend going to one of the platforms with the most followers, and looking at your website visitor statistics to determine which sources your visitors are coming from, then focusing your energy and time in these places.

 Which of the tools has been most effective in developing and marketing your services?

One of the most useful resources is actually a feature rather than a tool.

Reviews are very helpful for selling. Social proof is extremely valuable: People want to know the risks involved when investing into an item. Hearing authentic feedback from someone else that the seller (the vendor) is pretty effective.

Additionally, I utilize coupons all the time due to various reasons. The possibility of customizing codes has been fantastic. The people love it whenever I create customized codes using their name or their business name. It's entertaining, and it adds a touch of professionalism.

I can't get enough of's 'Courses' feature more. It's my favorite online tool that makes it easy to design and create courses. I've not even made use of all the features yet such as quizzes and video and can't wait to get them. I started my classes within the last month and am already surrounded by satisfied students.

 What has been the most helpful way to promote and sell your services on the internet?

I had been selling digital downloads regularly through my site until GDPR took effect. As a company based in the United States, I found it frustrating, confusing, overwhelming, and exhausting to understand the newly implemented tax situation which is why I stopped selling downloads in total. After I discovered that they handled all things tax-related for myself. I was instantly intrigued. It has enabled me to sell tens of thousands of dollars worth of digital goods without losing sleep over VAT issues.

Additionally, the brand is growing in popularity and recognition. Because their name instills confidence, buyers know they are able to buy with confidence.